How-to (Beauty)

Gorgeous (but super-low-maintenance) haircolor

A pro's subtle-but-significant tricks to make color last longer—much longer—between salon appointments

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"I don't even remember what my real haircolor is, I've been bleaching it for so long— judging from my roots, it's definitely darker than this! How do I avoid a trip to the salon every three weeks?"

— Cat Marnell, beauty assistant

Get fewer, finer highlights on the part— and then paint in a few strategic lowlights. "If your highlights are pale, caramel and sandy-brown streaks give a mellow, beachy feel," says Marie Robinson of Manhattan's Sally Hershberger Downtown Salon. "And it's much easier to wait a couple of months between visits." Before you color, always deep-condition. A week after, start conditioning again to smooth the cuticle, subtly boosting the shade. Root touch-ups— either semipermanent dyes or temporary rinse-out products are key. White powder is great if you're especially blonde. "If your hair is fine, matte eyeshadows in beige or gold also work brilliantly," says Robinson.

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L'oréal Professionnel Série Expert Lumino Contrast Masque

Cat's new favorite: It detangles and softens— and the gel-mousse texture is surprisingly lightweight for such a nourishing formula.

$28, us.lorealprofessionnel.com for salons

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Bumble and Bumble white hair powder

In addition to lightening, this mist also absorbs oil, volumizes and gives hair a sexy, roughed-up texture.

$19, bumbleandbumble.com for salons

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Anastasia Beverly Hills tinted brow gel in Blonde

Designed for brows, this is also amazing for roots— the mascara wand targets individual strands.

$19, sephora.com

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